Xenophon

Xenophon (c. 430–354 BC) was an Athenian soldier, historian and philosopher, a pupil of Socrates. In 401 he joined the Greek mercenary army of Cyrus the Younger in his attempt on the Persian throne, and after Cyrus's death helped lead the ten thousand Greeks on their march home through hostile country, the story told in the Anabasis. Exiled from Athens, he served Sparta and lived for years on an estate at Scillus. His Hellenica continues Thucydides' history, the Memorabilia and Symposium portray Socrates as a practical moral teacher, the Cyropaedia describes an ideal ruler, and the Economist treats estate management. His plain style made him a school author for centuries.